BIOL 3090 Foundations of Microbiology
In this course we examine the diversity in the microbial world that exists between bacteria, archaea, eukarya, and viruses. We will explore the unique molecular biology, metabolism, and ecological diversity that exists within the three domains of life and, ultimately, discuss how various aspects and members of the microbial world intersect with humanity and human health.
Course overview
- Department
- Biology
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Annually
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- BIOL2000
Requirements fulfilled
- Biology B.A.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.A.: Cellular Sciences category (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: Cellular Sciences category (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Environmental Studies: Concentration — Environmental Health: One Biology Course (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biochemistry B.S.: One course in cell biology from the following list (3 credits) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.12 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.46 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Douglas Warner | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 102 of 120 |
| Spring 2025 | Douglas Warner | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 3.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 105 of 117 |
| Fall 2023 | Douglas Warner | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 114 of 126 |
| Spring 2023 | Jeremy Eberhard | 3.3 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4–6 hrs/week | 73 of 95 |
| Spring 2022 | Jeremy Eberhard | 3.3 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 3.2 | 4.1 | 3.1 | 4–6 hrs/week | 61 of 104 |